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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
TRANSPORT and Infrastructure Development Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu came face to face with the reality of the country’s tattered road network when he endured a rugged drive along Bulawayo-Nkayi Road on Sunday for the burial of Chief Sivalo.He admitted experiencing a “terrible” ride on the 158km tarred strip road from Bulawayo to Nkayi centre, which is littered with potholes, with several portions having been washed away by the rains.
From Nkayi centre Dr Mpofu proceeded to Chief Sivalo’s homestead on the border of Nkayi District with Lupane, about 100km west of the business centre via Sivomo, Nesigwe, Gwelutshena and Sebhumane.
“I’ve witnessed how bad our roads are and now understand what most motorists are complaining about. When addressing meetings people often say ‘all protocols observed’ but when it comes to me they now say ‘all potholes observed’” he told hundreds of mourners who including cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
Roads and other transport infrastructure fall under his ministry.
“I have said mama MaNyoni,” he said referring to Nkayi North MP and Small to Medium Enterprises Development Minister Cde Sithembiso Nyoni, “we need to sit down and find a way of improving these roads.”
Dr Mpofu said his arrival at the funeral was delayed by the dilapidated road network, which made driving a burden.
“At some point as I came here I even thought I was lost because of the bad state of the road. The roads to chiefs’ homes should be tarred. I was in Zambia last week and observed the road to Chief Chikuni is tarred,” he said.
It took a Chronicle news crew nearly six hours to drive to the place using a Mazda pick-up truck while ministers took about four using their top of the range Ford Ranger vehicles.
Along the way three dangerous gorges were observed, which had virtually cut two bridges into half at Malindi between Nkayi centre and Mathetshaneni. At Mdengele the rains completely washed away the bridge and villagers have opened a detour around the area to allow buses to pass through. Early this year, Chief Sikobokobo called on the government to urgently repair roads saying transporters were now shunning, particularly rural the routes, leaving scores of people stranded.
Recently the Traffic Consultative Committee said $16 million was needed to rehabilitate some of the roads that were washed away by last year’s heavy rains. Members of the public have urged the government to utilise toll fees to improve the poor road network, which has also been blamed for the spate of accidents that claim lives.
derick.khumalo